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Kia Motors Corporation held the world premiere of its all-new Kia Magentis executive sedan (known as ‘Optima’ in some markets) at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new Magentis is a modern, high-quality, high-value sedan, which offers customers clean, crisp, and handsome styling; more power; higher performance; better handling and a smoother ride; more space; more luxury; a larger trunk and enhanced fuel economy.
Created by Kia design teams in Korea, Germany and the USA, the new Magentis will transform Kia’s global fortunes in the important D-segment. The 4,735 mm long new Magentis will provide customers with comfortable, spacious and refined transport in an elegantly understated all-new car.

For the first time in the D-Segment, Kia will be offering customers a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. Available only in European Magentis models, Kia’s new 2-liter 140 ps CRDi diesel engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) and a diesel particle filter (DPF) as standard, for optimum performance and economy, with clean Euro4 compliant emissions.

“The new Magentis continues the recent Kia tradition of introducing new models which are attractively styled, comfortably appointed, technically sophisticated and thoroughly modern,” said Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Magentis will be a highly competitive entry into a significant segment of the global market. Depending on the model selected and country, customers can choose from two equipment levels (LX and EX), two of three gasoline engines (2.7, 2.4 and 2.0-liter) and one 2.0-liter diesel engine (in Europe only). A 6-speed M/T and 4-speed A/T are mated to the 2.0-liter diesel, while the 2.0-liter gasoline has a 5-speed M/T and 4-speed A/T. The 2.4-liter powerplant is mated to a 5-speed M/T and 5-speed A/T, while the 2.7-liter engine is offered only with a 5-speed A/T.

Taller 1,480 mm (+70 mm), wider 1,805 mm (+15 mm) -- excluding the old model’s protruding door handles -- and longer (+5 mm) than the model it replaces, the new Magentis has a longer wheelbase 2,720 mm (+20 mm) and reduced front overhang 935 mm (-25 mm) to create much improved interior packaging, which offers significantly more cabin space, together with a larger 420-liter (SAE) trunk.

The new, fully independent McPherson Strut front suspension and Multi-link rear suspension systems are designed to deliver a supple, comfortable ride with agile, responsive handling and good stability under the toughest road and weather conditions. An extensive range of optional equipment is also available.

Four newly developed engines

Kia’s range-topping Magentis EX model can be ordered with a powerful, responsive, upgraded quad-cam 2.7-liter 188 ps V6 ‘Mu’ petrol engine with VIS (Variable Intake System). An all-new ‘Theta’ 2.4-liter gasoline engine will also be available in the US and Australia (specifications to be confirmed closer to launch date). Available in both EX and LX Magentis models, the all-new ‘Theta’ 2.0-liter 144.5 ps petrol engine is an impressively quiet, state-of-the-art four-cylinder powerplant with CVVT. The new 2-liter CRDi diesel engine is also available in both EX and LX Magentis models. This SOHC engine produces 140 ps and 305 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm (output to be confirmed). All four engines are smooth and powerful, with clean emissions complying with Euro4 standards.

Advanced automatic and manual transmissions

Unusually in the D-Segment, all Magentis engines will be available with an automatic transmission. Both petrol and 2-liter diesel (only in Europe) engines can be ordered with a four-speed automatic transmission as an extra-cost option, while the 2.7-liter is mated to a new five-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Fitted with Kia’s Sport Mode automatic transmission, these gearboxes offer a choice of fully automatic changes or driver-controlled sequential-manual gear selection. As standard, the 2-liter petrol engine is fitted with a five-speed manual, while the 2-liter diesel engine (only in Europe) is supplied with an all-new, fuel-stretching six-speed manual gearbox.

Active and Passive Safety Kit

Each New Magentis is available with active and passive safety measures to avoid hazards and protect occupants in real-world accidents. The all-new body shell is manufactured with a large percentage of high-strength steel. ABS with EBD, front and side airbags, front ‘active’ head restraints and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants, are fitted as standard or as options depending on country. In addition, ESP stability control, reverse parking sensors and curtain airbags are available as options.

All-new independent platform

The new Magentis is manufactured in Korea at Kia’s Hwasung assembly plant. It is an exclusively Kia product, independently developed and built on the new MG platform. In future years, the MG platform will also form the foundation for the next generation Kia Carens compact MPV.

The new Magentis range is scheduled to reach Kia showrooms in Europe and the general market at the beginning of 2006 and in North America in the Spring 2006 and will be available in nine distinctive exterior colors depending on country.

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